Asphalt Roads Eyed as Potential Solar Energy Collectors
- Aug 18, 2008 11:34 AM EST
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Michael Hulen, president of Novotech Inc. in Acton, Mass, believed in the potential of asphalt roads as solar collectors so much that he holds the patent of its concept. He had then requested Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to conduct a research project that would further explore the idea. Blacktops already proved that they're great heat absorbers and that they stay hot even after the sun goes down. The researchers are currently developing a solar asphalt collector which could be integrated onto existing roads and hence wouldn't need additional spaces specifically allocated for solar installations.
The system that's in the works is comprised of the asphalt itself and metal pipes which could conduct the heat onto flowing water. According to tests done, the absorption of heat is optimal just a few centimeters beneath the surface, so that's where the pipes (made of copper in the tests conducted) will be placed. The heated water can be used as is for heating and other processes, although running it through a thermoelectric generator would produce electricity. Other plans to induce heat absorption include the usage of quartzite and the application of a reflection-reducing special paint, as well as replacing the copper material with highly-efficient heat exchangers.
You can read more about using asphalt as solar collectors in Science Daily.
- Solar Energy